Volunteering

Volunteers are Motorsport. Whether it’s a local autocross event or a prestigious Formula 1 Race, the one thing they have in common are the volunteers. Whether you’re working as a marshal, pit crew member, or event organizer, volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that races run smoothly and safely. For many, it’s an opportunity to be immersed in the fast-paced world of motorsport while gaining hands-on experience. Volunteers have the chance to interact with professional teams, drivers, and fans, offering an insider’s perspective on the behind-the-scenes action. This is a perfect avenue for motorsport enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge, network with industry professionals, and contribute to the success of events, all while being part of the excitement.

Types of Volunteers

Without volunteer marshals – motorsports events of any kind wouldn’t be possible. Marshals are key to the safe and smooth running of events at every racetrack around the world.

Corner Marshals or ‘Flaggers’ are stationed at various points around race tracks to facilitate the communication process to participants on the track and race control. Different flags are used to communicate the track status such as a Yellow Flag to indicate an issue, or a Yellow/Red Flag to indicate a surface condition issue (debris, wet etc).

They are the ‘eyes’ of race control and a key link in the communication of decisions made by Race Control to competitors. They account for approximately 50% of the volunteers at a race meeting. Marshals are the closest to the action and have the best vantage point on- track.

Marshals must be 16 years or older.

Before any race car makes it out on track, they have to first present themselves to the False Grid, or Mock Grid. The grid is staffed by Grid Marshals, who are responsible for making sure that all race cars are positioned correctly before a race and verifying that drivers are safely in their vehicles.

The grid team communicates with race control to inform them when the grid is ready, and also to relay information from race control to the drivers, such as the count down to when cars are being released.

A Pit Lane Marshal is responsible for maintaining safety within the pit lane during any on track session, whether it is a practice, qualifying or a race. Marshals ensure that all personnel and vehicles adhere to regulations, by monitoring pit lane activity, including any pit stops that may occur.

Marshals are also responsible for responding to any incidents that may occur while cars are within the pit area; essentially acting as a safety officer in the pit lane.

How do you know who won the race? Timing of course! The role of the timekeeper is to operate the Timing and Scoring system (MyLaps X2 system). There are many components to the timing system.

The first is the Transponder. This is given to ever driver as the register to compete at the event. The transponders are mounted onto the vehicle and transmit a beacon with a special ID number that corresponds to the driver.

The timing loop installed in the track. It acts as a large antenna to pick up the beacon from the transponders. As vehicles pass the Start / Finish line, they ‘Ping’ the timing loop.

In Race Control there is a computer that receives all of these signals.

The final piece is the most important. The timekeeper.

Scrutineers are responsible for ensuring that drivers and vehicles are complying the the regulations of the respective series and/or event by performing technical and safety checks on vehicles before, during, and after races.

Some of the items checked are: Driver’s Safety Equipment (Suit, Helmet etc), Vehicle Safety Systems such as Belts, Window Nets and fuel cells. They also will perform any technical evaluations after any on-track incidents to ensure that vehicles are not too severely damaged and become a safety risk.

While experience in engineering / mechanics or similar technical field is an advantage, it is not essential to volunteering as a scrutineer.

A race director (also called an Operating Steward) is a senior official who is responsible for ensuring the event runs smoothly and safely. They are responsible for managing all of the activities both on and off the track and making decisions based on the information that they receive from the other officials both in the tower and on the ground.

It is a fast-paced job that requires good problem solving skills and being able to make logical decisions in a timely manner. Race directors are responsible for suspending the race (Full Course Yellow) if vehicles are in unsafe positions, or when track conditions are not favorable for racing (ex: excess water).

The race director is typically not involved in any decisions regarding penalties, as this is left to the Clerk of the Course or any series Stewards.

The Clerk of the Course has the overall responsibility for the control of an event in accordance with the Rules and Regulations put in place by the Event Organizer, Series Stewards or any other regulations governing the event.

The clerk has a wide range of functions during the course of the event such as imposing penalties issued by Stewards, keeping the event on time, delegating tasks and responsibilities to the other positions within the event.

Stewards principal roles are to ensure that the competition is held in a fair and safe manner at all times. There are various stewards, such as the Chief Steward (for a series), an Event Steward (for a specific event), and Stewards of the Meeting; who act as a judicial body at an event and are responsible for hearing any appeals from competitors against a decision by other officials.

Getting Involved

Generally speaking, becoming a volunteer is easy! There are a wide range of volunteering positions and activities, and some critical areas – called ‘ Hot Zones ‘ are reserved for volunteers 16 years or older.

Some positions also ask for certifications, such as first aid or fire safety, particularly for roles that involve direct interaction with race vehicles or accidents. Positions, like marshaling or pit official, may require you to have prior experience or attend a training session to understand safety protocols and the responsibilities of the role.

Thankfully, there are a number of opportunities to learn how to volunteer in a low pressure environment such as the Calabogie Challenge series. The Ottawa SportsCar Club has a large contingent of volunteers that constantly assist with training newcomers to the sport.

Join the Club

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